Dear Neighbors, The holidays are here, and it is such a busy time for so many. I want to thank you for the privilege of serving as your state representative. We have important work ahead and I am honored you have again given me the opportunity to be your voice at the Capitol. Recently, House Speaker Melissa Hortman announced my appointment as the next chair of the House Climate and Energy Finance and Policy Committee. As vice chair of the committee the last four years, I was part of many important discussions and now, as chair, I will continue to craft impactful legislation which will make a difference now and for future generations. I look forward to partnering with my legislative colleagues, industry representatives and advocates to ensure our state is on the cutting edge of a bright tomorrow for all Minnesotans. With the cooperation of our Senate colleagues, we will consider how to use some of our historic projected $17.6 billion budget surplus to make climate policy a priority as we move forward. You can see the full committee structure and list of chairs here. The 2023 legislative session convenes in Saint Paul on January 3 at noon. Clean Energy Legislative Champion Award Clean Energy Economy MN (CEEM) presented me with its 2022 Clean Energy Legislative Champion Award recently for authoring HF 3320, a refundable clean energy tax credit bill during the 2022 legislative session and my leadership of the Minnesota House Climate Action Caucus. I am extremely honored by this award. You can read more here.  New laws take effect January 1 On January 1, new laws will take effect, including some consumer protection items and a requirement for postnatal care. You can read more here. Heating Assistance Available Cold weather is not only an inconvenience – it can be life threatening and it is important to keep our dwellings heated. The state Energy Assistance Program can offer financial assistance with heat and electric bills, emergency fuel deliveries, and repair or replacement of broken heating systems. Grants are based on household size, income, and utility costs, and average $500. Learn more or fill out an application here. Also, the Cold Weather Rule is in effect which can prevent utility customers behind on their bills from having their electric or natural gas service shut off if they develop a payment plan with their service provider. Details about the protections under the rule are available here. I wish you a very happy holiday season full of joy and time with your loved ones.  Staying in touch Please reach out if you have any questions or feedback you would like to share. You can contact me by email at rep.patty.acomb@house.mn.gov or call (651) 296-9934. You will notice my House email has changed to add ‘gov’ at the end. Once the legislative session begins, you can access the Minnesota House of Representatives Public Information Services for nonpartisan recaps of high-profile bills, committee hearings, and floor sessions with their Session Daily publication. Subscribe to receive these here. To track bills of interest through the legislative process, I encourage you to utilize the MyBills feature on the Minnesota House of Representatives’ website. Sincerely, Patty Acomb State Representative |